A true artifact, this petite sphere shares the world of c 1852-55, an era of exploration. The continent of Australia has barely any population, and what is to become Tasmania is still named Van Diemen’s Land. The demonym for Van Diemen's Land was 'Van Diemonian', though contemporaries used the spelling Vandemonian, perhaps in reference to the Tasmanian Devil, or possibly as a play on words relating to the colony's penal origins. In 1856 the colony was granted responsible self-government with its own representative parliament, and the name of the island and colony was officially changed to Tasmania on 1 January 1856. (Re: Wikipidia). Several cities are named in North America, as well as the United States, British Possessions, Alaska, Mexico, Oregon and Texas. Europe is shown within the height of mighty Empires. History of the Globe Maker: KLINGER, Georg Johann (1764-1806) Nuremberg ( Germany) Published his first globes in 1790 in Latin. Simultaneously Klinger published globes based on revised editions of the plates of Andreae and of his own design. After his death his widow continued the business until it was taken over by Dreykorn in 1836 who continued to publish globes under the ‘imprint’ of “J.G. Klinger’s Kunsthandlung” .In 1851 the name of the firm changed into “C.Abel-Klinger Kunsthandlung” when Carl Abel joined the management of it. The firm was active until the early 20th century. With Van Diemens Land still displayed on the sphere and the cartouche identifying Carl Abel having joined Klinger in addition to the composition of the globe being consistent with materials used in that era, the age of the sphere can clearly be established between 1852-55. Description: A circa 3.5 inch diam. miniature terrestrial globe made up of twelve hand colored, engraved paper gores over a plaster and pasteboard orb. The equatorial and ecliptic ungraduated, the continents showing rivers and the names of some countries and states, inscribed in German. The cartouche reads as follows: DIE ERDE (the earth) nach den neuesten Entdeckung ( engraved following the newest Discoveries). Verlag von C.Abel-Klinger. The sphere is mounted onto a petite baluster turned and ebonized fruitwood base. Total height is about 6.5 inches.. Petite Abel Klinger spheres have always been some of the most desirable artifacts to discerning collectors. While diverse in mount and style, a model rarely fetches less than $1500 at auctions by Christie’s or Sotherby’s. Here is an appraisal for a similar in size but different and later model by the Antique Roadshow (PBS) http:--www.pbs.org-wgbh-roadshow-video-201305W10.html Condition: Exceptionally well preserved for its age. Most details are crisp, colors rich. The shellac has aged ( browned) and flaked off in some areas. A good sign for the artifact to be in original, un-restored condition. Very little wear in form of rubbing or scuffing. The base is also well preserved, no cracks. Domestic shipping is FREE  World Wide $30 (most countries) $ 1085             SKU#415KLINGER52